Ford Transit Connect delivers class leading efficiency and segment first technology

11/06/2015 09:54 Share

Ford's latest Transit Connect van will offer customers new powertrain options with class-leading fuel efficiency, and segment-first driver-assistance and connectivity technologies from the summer.

Ford is introducing a new high-efficiency 1.5-litre TDCi diesel engine with CO2 emissions of 99g/km and fuel economy of 74.3mpg in the ECOnetic model a six per cent improvement over the outgoing 1.6-litre TDCi engine.

In addition, the Transit Connect is the first vehicle in its segment to offer advanced driver assistance technologies including Traffic Sign Recognition and Lane Keeping Aid, as well as being the first Ford commercial vehicle in Europe to feature the voice-activated SYNC 2 connectivity system.

Available in Van and Double-Cab-in-Van bodystyles with L1 and L2 variants and Kombi in L2 only, the Transit Connect has proved highly popular with European customers since being introduced in 2013, with sales growing faster than any rival. Year to date, there has been a 93 per cent increase in demand for the Transit Connect compared with the same period last year.

The Transit Connect offers a spacious and practical load area with total volumes of 2.9m3 and 3.6m3 with a full bulkhead, or 3.7m3 and 4.4m3 including the front loadspace area. Payloads of up to 1,000kg are available, matching the best-in-class figure.

The model forms part of the completely renewed and expanded Transit line-up alongside the Transit, Transit Custom and Transit Courier that helped to make Ford the most popular commercial vehicle brand in Europe for the first quarter of 2015.

"The all-new Transit Connect has proved a real hit with European businesses thanks to its smart looks, great fuel economy and capable load space," said Phil Hollins, Commercial Vehicle marketing, sales and service director, Ford of Europe. "With even lower fuel costs and amazing new technologies, Transit Connect delivers an even stronger proposition to our commercial customers."

by: Becca Chaplin